Design is mainly understood as the activity of producing more or less useful artefacts, but not necessarily as a political activity. The design of an artefact, however, is always also a political decision about how people should live, communicate or behave. Furthermore, design can be used as a political instrument in the form of activism, or as a medium to discuss and dream about possible or better futures. Politics itself can also be understood as a form of design, since it involves planning, making decisions and devising laws. The material dimension of politics and the political dimension of artefacts are explored through a series of lectures with international guests.
Ruedi Baur, graphic designer, cofounded the interdisciplinary network Intégral Concept. He created the design2context Institute at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, then the institute for critical research in design and network Civic City. He also teaches at the École des arts décoratifs in Paris, as well as regularly in China. As member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI), he participates in many workshops and judging panels, gives regular lectures, and his works are published in various countries and presented at various exhibitions.